A core aspect of the human body is its immune system. We often notice the human body’s immune system often tends to get affected. One of the most common autoimmune diseases is lupus. This disease is more common among women than men. According to the latest reports, in America, approximately 1.5 million suffer from lupus.
The chronic disease lupus is common amongst people in the age group of 15 to 45 years. It is a hazardous disease, as it leads to autoimmunity. Autoimmunity is a medical condition in which the immune system cannot differentiate between foreign invaders and healthy tissues of the body.
There is no cure for this overactive immune response. However, you can adapt to a balanced diet since it can help in dealing with lupus effectively.
Diet for Lupus
To treat Lupus, include these foods in your diet for an effective cure.
1. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a great food item, which should be consumed by people who have lupus. The Greek yogurt contains a probiotic which helps in dealing with various symptoms of lupus. Due to lupus, the body experiences loss of lactobacillus, which can lead to leaky guts. The Greek yogurt contains lactobacillus helps in recovering from the leaky gut.
When selecting the Greek yogurt, ensure to pick up yogurt with “live active cultures” on the yogurt label. In addition to this, select Greek yogurt, which has less than 20 grams of sugar in it. Consuming a small bowl of Greek yogurt is the perfect quantity if you are suffering from lupus.
[Read: Natural Remedies for Lupus]
2. Figs
Figs contain two very active flavonoids, which are luteolin and quercetin. Both these flavonoids reduce the activity of inflammatory cells, which can attack the healthy cells, thereby affecting the body. The flavonoid present in the fig helps in protecting the healthy cells.
The best way to use figs is by directly eating it. The other way of eating figs is by adding them to oatmeal, or you can also eat it with honey and Greek yogurt. Eating a fig every day as a whole or any form is the best daily dietary allowance for an individual.
3. Sweet potatoes
A marvelous source of Vitamin C and E is Sweet potatoes. In addition to this, they also contain Beta Carotene and Carotenoids Alpha. These different sources help in reducing inflammation(1) in the body.
Sweet potatoes can be used in baked, barbecued, and fried form. They can also be used in salads too. The perfect quantity of eating a sweet potato is 150 grams daily.
4. Oranges
A fantastic source of vitamin C and calcium is oranges. The presence of both these ingredients helps in fighting inflammation.
Oranges can be consumed as a snack. You can also pair it with slivered almonds, spinach, shallots, grilled chicken, or in the form of a salad. A single orange offers approximately 75 milligrams of calcium. Therefore, for fighting inflammation, you should consume one to two oranges every day.
5. Kelp
Kelp is an excellent source of antioxidants, which include flavonoids, alkaloids, and carotenoids. In addition to this, they also contain vitamin C and minerals like zinc and manganese. All these help in fighting inflammation.
You can use it in the form of a smoothie or a juice. You can also use it to create an excellent Asian broth. A cup of kelp daily is the perfect quantity for fighting inflammation.
6. Collard greens
Collard greens are considered as the best source of vitamin K, which improves the calcium absorption level of the body that is great for fighting inflammation.
The best way of eating collard greens is by steaming them. Its nutritional aspects are best when you consumed in cooked form. It can also be used in salads, though. Though you can eat greens in the right quantity, a cup of collard greens is the most appropriate portion for fighting inflammation.
7. White Beans
White beans are high in fiber, protein, and potassium, which are great for improving metabolism and also promote fat oxidation. It is due to this reason that you should consume white beans to manage inflammation.
The best way to use white beans is by steaming them or adding them to a salad. A bowl of the white bean is perfect for daily dietary allowance.
[Read: Benefits of White Kidney Beans]
8. Guacamole
Guacamole contains potassium, magnesium, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and E. They also contain complex B vitamins. In addition to it, they have a low level of sodium. They are also rich in monounsaturated fats. Thus, they are great for fighting inflammation.
The best way to have guacamole is in the form of a puree or paste. A medium bowl of guacamole shall fulfill the daily dietary allowance.
9. Sardines
Sardines are great for reducing inflammation as they are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which effectively fights inflammation.
The best way of eating sardines is by grilling them, as grilling helps in offering a better taste, by keeping the maximum nutrients intact. Sardines are small fishes; therefore, daily consuming a couple of them is the best option.
10. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is excellent for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and stomach ulcers. The presence of curcumin also helps in reducing inflammation. In addition to this, turmeric also offers various other health and skin benefits, which help in addressing different symptoms of lupus(2).
The best way of using turmeric is by adding them to smoothies, curries, and soups. A tablespoon of turmeric shall fulfill the dietary needs of people.
11. Wild Salmon
Wild salmon is known to be the best source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help in reducing inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are also great for strengthening the immune system.
Wild salmon can be grilled, steamed, and even sous vide. You can eat it in salads, soups, and other dishes. A medium-size wild salmon filet is perfect for addressing the problem of inflammation.
12. Oatmeal with Berries
Oatmeal with berries will provide the insoluble fiber that offers the body with healthy bacteria, which are great for managing inflammation.
Oatmeal with berries can be used best with milk in the form of a smoothie or the form of a breakfast bowl. A medium bowl of oatmeal with berries will be sufficient for dealing with the problem of inflammation.
These are some of the food items, which will make a proper diet for lupus. All these different food items offer adequate minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients that are great for treating inflammation. All these different food items will help in managing the various symptoms of lupus. Please ensure that they consume all these different food items in the recommended quantity.
Also, you should consult a doctor before adopting any diet, to take a professional opinion. People who have lupus should ensure that they regularly consume these different food items that help in combatting inflammation, which further results in various health issues.
[Read: Essential Oils for Lupus]
FAQs
1. What Are the Home Remedies for Lupus?
The most effective home remedies for lupus are using ginger, coconut oil, and holy basil. All these different ingredients are readily available at home, which is excellent for treating lupus. Along with this, regular exercising at home, like stretching or walking, will also help in addressing the problem of lupus.
2. Can Physical Exercise Help in the Treatment of Lupus?
Exercising is excellent for treating the problem of lupus. Experts recommend that people who have lupus should do low impact exercises.
It includes cycling, walking, gentle motion exercises, water aerobics, swimming, and low-impact aerobics. People can also practice tai-chi for addressing the symptoms of lupus.
3. Can Lupus Lead to Hives?
Yes, lupus can lead to hives, but it is very uncommon. It happens due to the production of various antibodies in the body of the people who have lupus. In addition to this, regular exposure to the sun also leads to hives. Lupus can lead to hives, due to the inflammation of the skin small blood vessels.
